$1.2M donation funds new behavioral health care program at Mercy Hospital
Courtesy / Northern Light Mercy Hospital Facebook
A new program at Mercy Hospital will expand behavioral health care for kids and their caregivers.
A $1.2 million donation will help Northern Light Mercy Hospital address a behavioral health crisis that medical professionals say is affecting children and their families in the greater Portland area.
The donation from Jerry and Pam Bruni will fund the James and Hilla Bruni family-centered integrated behavioral health program to support a specialized team that will provide early intervention for children and their caregivers who need behavioral health care. The team includes a pediatric psychiatric provider, additional clinical social workers and specialized case managers who will work with the hospital’s emergency department and outpatient practices.
“The Brunis’ gift has come at a time when children suffering from behavioral health challenges are ending up in hospital emergency rooms at an alarming rate,” said Charlie Therrien, president of the Portland-based hospital. “The program that will be established through this gift represents an important step forward in addressing this heartbreaking issue facing too many children and families in our community.”
The program will include: more access to care for young patients and their families; case management to guide them through the process; medication management services as part of comprehensive treatment plans; and expanded counseling.
“Access to pediatric behavioral health care services in the region is limited, and wait times can be long,” said Melissa Skahan, vice president of mission at Northern Light Mercy Hospital. “Whether in the emergency department or visiting an outpatient medical practice, timely access to care and resources is critical when a child is in need.”
The donation from the Bruni family will honor Jerry Bruni’s late parents, James and Hilla Bruni, and the values they supported by helping stabilize the lives of children in crisis while keeping them in their homes.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital was No. 6 among the largest hospitals in the 2022 Mainebiz Book of Lists, ranked by the number of licensed acute care beds.
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